Simple solution to the water heater: put it out in front of an annoying neighbor’s house. Wearing gloves. At 2 am 🙂

Yep, the trades are part of a boom-and-bust cycle. If the tradespeople didn’t have the good sense to save during the boom … F*** ’em.

As far as disease, unless the homeowner is doing work to the OUTSIDE sewer line, it’s vanishingly unlikely that it will affect other homes. It’s also very unlikely that sewage will enter the potable system unless something incredibly bizarre happens.

Despite your protestations to the contrary, your comments smack of a tradesman trying to stay relevant during a down economy. Display some adaptability, rather than advocating forcing people to use your services.

Regarding the test, why not allow ANYONE to sit a comprehensive test, regardless of experience? Seems like the experience requirement in many states is essentially perpetuating a guild, keeping foreigners with just as much ability and talent out of the business.